Excellent Ashiatsu
training in Asheville, NC.
16 ceus just $350!
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| Learn the best in one AND two foot Ashiatsu techniques! |
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| The March 2013 class was awesome! Thanks everyone! |
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Greetings and welcome to my site!
I'm Brett Rodgers, NCBTMB licensed continuing education teacher. I would like to teach you how to do the very best in Ashiatsu barefoot massage. Whether you are a spa that wants to get started with Ashiatsu, a professional ready to build your own bars in your home or office, or just a therapist thinking about doing barefoot in the future, I would be happy to train you in my innovative style of Ashiatsu massage. Yes, you can gift yourself with the ability to do a much more powerful massage! You'll be saving your arms and shoulders for working on the smaller muscles! Come and experience my class here in Asheville or take my Ashiatsu home study course from anywhere in the world! Any student of mine can also be listed on my "Ashiatsu Directory" page.
Please read the questions & answers below (scroll down) BEFORE CALLING OR EMAILING ME!
Thanks, Brett.
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| Take the Ashiatsu home study program - 14 ces! Click picture for more information. |
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Ashiatsu Simple Barefoot Massage Certification
16 CE Ashiatsu training.
Classes taught by Brett Rodgers - NC LMBT #7557
Get your Ashiatsu certification! Learn "Ashiatsu Simple Barefoot Massage!" Ashiatsu classes are taught here in beautiful and holistic Asheville, NC and earn 16 ces good toward licensure in most states!
“Brett Rodgers is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider and is also sponsored by NCBTMB to teach New York LMTs continuing education that is accepted by the state of New York for license renewal.” ( #451495-10) Florida state licensed continuing education provider #50-13100.
This is a two day Ashiatsu training - usually a weekend course - designed to give you everything you need to learn to do Ashiatsu the right way... with simple, smooth and heavy strokes. (No, Ashiatsu massage is not luxurious! Lol! The feet are "powerful tools" that have the ability to get the job done!)
In this Ashiatsu class you will get plenty of "feet on" experience! The first day of training you will practice on each other and learn the basics of Ashiatsu massage. On the second day you will practice on some of my clients that volunteer to receive for free. (They don't mind a bit!) You will give and receive as much as most of you can handle! Specifically, you will learn what techniques work and which ones do not and why. You will learn massage techniques for the front as well as the back of the body. First you will start with using just one foot and then move up to two feet. You will use and get good at using the five "tools" of the feet (the heel, balls, arch, blade and toes) and know when and where to use each tool. You will learn contraindications for Ashiatsu and how to stay safe with this powerful modality of massage. You will know and understand minimal draping and how to introduce it to your clients. During the class I will demonstrate all kinds of techniques and help you individually to perform them. This is simply the best ashiatsu instruction available anywhere at any price!
My complete Ashiatsu certification will teach most of you how to step up with both feet right from the start. It is so important to learn to get right up on some clients and walk on them. Why? Several reasons. First and foremost, a lot of your clients are just plain big folks and need as much pressure as many of you can give them. Big guys need 100 pound strokes. That's all the weight some of you girls have! Also, many people are quite thick in their chests and this makes your bent knee vulnerable to injury if you push hard on them with one foot on the table. You will strain your knee way too much! You need to hop right up on their backs and get some good pressure on them - not putting too much pressure on bent knees. (Some heavier therapists may need to step up on a bolster with the non massaging foot for a while until they build arm strength and Ashiatsu coordination.) I'm here to tell you the truth and to get you going with using your feet ...not to create more classes just so that I can make more money!
My Ashiatsu training class will also teach you about using bolsters. Using millet hull massage bolsters allows you to get people's shoulders and other body parts into a better position. Then, when you use the big tools (your feet) to work on the client, you can adjust their posture (stretching fascia) by using your own body's weight! Now you have POWERFUL LEVERAGE! Wow! Let's see the Rolfers and chiropractors do that!
This Ashiatsu certification includes a basic understanding of how to create bars on your ceiling. I will show you my Ashiatsu bars and we will talk about other methods of mounting the bars as well. You will also learn how to install infrared heat lamps (that drop down from the ceiling) so your clients can stay toasty warm in the winter.
My Ashiatsu training includes a 40 page instruction book loaded with pictures and descriptions of what you'll learn in the class. Students that take the class have the option of purchasing the Ashiatsu video for an additional $50. The video will help you to remember techniques you learned in the class when you get home.
A complete Ashiatsu training class & certification.
* Using one foot - Ashiastu massage.
* This Ashiatsu class also includes using two feet. (Very important from the git go!)
* You'll learn how to install Ashiatsu bars in an easy & simple way.
* You will learn how to install infrared heat lamps.
* You will practice and master the use of bolsters to support your client.
* You get the Ashiatsu book included with the class and have the option of buying the Ashiatsu video for just $50.
Come and learn "Ashiatsu Simple Barefoot Massage" from me, Brett Rodgers, licensed massage therapist - NC # 7557 - CEU provider # 451495-10. You will experience the best Ashiatsu training - Ashiatsu class available anywhere - at any price.
Next scheduled Ashiatsu training dates:
July 13-14 , 2013.
(Ths class is held once every 1-2 months. The next class is Sept 14-15.)
16 continuing education credits (ces).
Cost: $350.
For just an extra $75 you can get the home study (includes the dvd) and 14 ces more!
Limit 10 students per class.
Prepay to reserve a spot today!
I also offer private Ashiatsu classes on a date of your choosing.
The cost for private Ashiatsu training is $750.
If you are a spa manager or owner and would like me to train your employees please call or send an email and we can talk about the possibilities. Yes, I love to travel! (828) 645-5228
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Questions and Answers...
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you expect from your students?
Attitude & Energy…
Potential students should know that my classes are progressive and holistic and so am I! I officially label myself as a new age modern hippie! I’m vegan, live in the most progressive town in the world, and I have over 400 natural healing videos on Youtube. I desire to attract students that are open to my holistic mindset and lifestyle.
Also, please come with a great attitude! I want only friendly, happy students that desire to get MORE than just continuing education credits to renew their licenses.
Additionally, those that come here should love dogs. I have a sweet golden retriever named "Chakra" that takes center stage!
Will I be fully "certified" to do Ashiatsu after I take your class or home study course?
Yes, you will be certified to do Ashiatsu as taught by me and you will receive a certificate stating that you have completed the course.
Does my state accept your classes for continuing education?
My courses are accepted by the NCBTMB and the states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, (NY yes, finally!) North Carolina, North Dakota (soon), Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
The following states do not currently license for massage therapy or require CE hours, but my courses can be used for NCBTMB renewal: Alaska, California, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming. However, individual cities may have licensing laws.
I am not accepted in Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi and Nebraska but anyone can still take advantage of my classes and really learn a lot!
Please double check your city or state ordinances for continuing education requirements. Of course this is your responsibility and not mine!
How often are the classes being held?
I'm having them once every 1-2 months on a weekend and I'm only scheduling two months in advance. If you would like a different date or different days of the week then please consider a private class.
Is there a weight limit for Ashiatsu?
Weight can be a sensitive issue for some people but for obvious safety reasons it's important to talk about it in this class. Everyone, especially over-weight therapists, need to be extra careful when doing barefoot massage.
* If you're sensitive about your weight, this class may not be a good idea for you.
* If you are more than 50 pounds overweight, please do not take this class.
Bigger clients do need more weight so sometimes this can be an advantage but you still have to build some "Ashiatsu muscles" to perform well and with safety. It is also crucial to have a very strong massage table. I recommend Earthlite, Stronglite or Oakworks tables. Do not perform Ashiatsu with a weak table! Tighten screws on your table regularly!
Do I need massage experience to take the class?
Yes, you need to be a practicing professional, licensed in your state to take this class.
Can I go to you and teach mobile?
Yes, but you need:
1. At least four people to make it worth my time.
2. You need a one set of bars built and ready to go for every two students participating. You also need all the necessary props for doing Ashiatsu. This list can be provided to those serious about my coming to them.
3. You need to pay up front with plenty of notice given in advance.
4. You need to pay all my travel expenses. (Flight, accommodations, meals, time spent, etc.)
Where are the classes held?
My classes are held here at my house in the Woodfin area of North Asheville.
Can I pay part of the tuition now and the rest later?
No. Full payment for the class is required up front to hold your reservation. 30 days notice is required to cancel and receive a refund. (Please see full cancellation policy below.)
Can I stay at your house for the weekend?
I do sometimes have a private room for rent or dorm/hostile style room available for $35 - $50/night. Please call or email.
Where do I stay in Asheville and how do I find your house?
After you register I'll send you the informational email with links to motels, directions to my house and other important information for the class.
Draping for Ashiatsu:
In this Ashiatsu class, we use minimal draping. Students and clients can wear underwear or go nude. If nude, the sheet is replaced with a rolled up hand towel when face down. (Heat lamps are provided in winter.) Regular draping with a sheet is performed when face up. I should feel comfortable being covered with just a rolled up towel or just my underwear when face down to take this class.
What should I bring to the class?
Please bring 3 sets of linens for this training. Please wear shorts, leggings, or short pants. Please wear a t-shirt or tank top. Please also have used a pumice stone on your feet. Please bring lunch if you can. Definitely come prepared for a real workout!
What time does class start? Please be here at 8:45 am. Class always starts at 9 and ends at 6 with an hour lunch (no specific times for lunch).
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| The April 2012 Ashiatsu class picture. Students proudly showing their new found massage tools! |
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| Chakra, my sidekick. |
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Attitude & Energy…
Potential students should know that my classes are progressive and holistic and so am I! I officially label myself as a new age modern hippie! I’m vegan, live in the most progressive town in the world, and I have over 400 natural healing videos on Youtube. I desire to attract students that are open to my holistic mindset and lifestyle.
Also, please come with a great attitude! I want only friendly, happy students that desire to get MORE than just continuing education credits to renew their licenses.
Additionally, those that come here should love dogs. I have a sweet golden retriever named "Chakra" that takes center stage!
Thanks!
Brett
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I also accept credit cards over the phone and checks by mail.
Call (828) 645-5228 today!
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Win a FREE CONTINUING ED CLASS
just by filling out your name, email address
and phone number below.
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Student Comments
Hi Brett,
Thanks for such a great weekend. I really enjoyed your class.
Talk to you soon. Namaste
Jazmyn
Hi, Brett
Thank you for sharing the photos and videos. Also, thanks for your wonderful workshop! I learned so much that weekend, about Ashiatsu, barefooting, and play. You're a great teacher.
Gratefully,
Lauri
Thanks again Brett, for your time and instruction this weekend. Your passion was fun to be around. You also inspired me look into vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Being in NC and the whole weekend did me a lot of good. It was a great experience. Continue to take care of yourself and put your creative thoughts out there. I enjoyed the videos. :)
Love to you,
Kay
Thank you so much for teaching Ashiatsu class. I had a great time. I have learn so much from you and you are a great teacher.. You have awsome skills also thanks for the pictures..
Again thank you,
Amanda Greene
Glad I traveled all the way over there. It was a weekend that I'll never forget. Best wishes, Tanya
(she came from Denver, Co)
"Excellent class! Will definitely use what I learned and apply it to my business. Great atmophere - very knowledgeable instructor."
"I loved the course. Can't wait to massage clients with my feet."
Hey Brett! It's Heather from your August 2011 Ashiatsu class. Just wanted to tell you how GREAT your website looks! I am switching offices and moving out on my own so new Ashi bars are in order!! I am loving the gal who used stained fence posts and will be using her photo as a guide. Thank you for celebrating everyone's success and sharing information on how to be such stylish Ashi Therapists. You are truly an awesome individual :)
Hope you and Chakra are happy, healthy and feeling the love of the Universe shine on your souls <3
-Heather
"Brett, Thank you again for all your teaching and inspiration. It is rare that I do not use Ashiatsu in my session. I broke my fibula a few weeks ago and still continued to do Ashiatsu, even in an aircast - clients didn't mind and in fact continued to greatly enjoy it. : ) I worked on their hips/hams/low back through a sheet with compression/pin-stretch.... so there wasn't any scratchy feelings from my bandages or cast... It works and was great PT for my foot/leg!!!!
I affirm all is nourishing and vibrantly creative for you. I hope our paths cross someday. I would love to take another of your classes."
"This was the best massage technique I ever had. The way he taught me that was amazing. I loved it. Practically his technique is so unique & useful for any client.
The method is not co complicated. It's just right. Now I have more confidence to apply for future client. It was so worth it."
(A sweet Korean student)
"I loved the course. The teacher was amazing and very knowledgeable. I will definitely be back to take another course with Brett."
"I am excited to use this technique in my practice! Love it!! :) :)"
"Brett has a great personality and was comical at times. Made learning easy and fun. Will definitely take more classes."
"I was extremely happy with the class. I took the class not sure if it was something I would be able to incorporate into my practice, but now I am sure! I will be using Ashiatsu as well as many of the other things shared in the class."
"This class was a fun learning experience - Brett was informative and very skillful in Ashiatsu and was able to make the experience memorable! He also taught us valuable information for everyday use in massage. I look forward to taking more classes with Brett."
"Loved this class. Very useful."
"Thank you so much! I am so excited to start using Ashiatsu on my clients."
"I enjoyed the class very much. The good vibe is contagious and definitely a plus when you are learning a new technique."
"Wonderful class. Will definitely use all the skills I have learned throughout my massing career."
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| Ashiatsu home study book & video. |
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Ashiatsu Home Study!
The complete 42 page Ashiatsu book (in full color) plus the 1 hour and 45 minute instructional video (dvd) are now available!
For just $130 you will receive the book and the video in the mail. When you are ready I will email the test to you. (98 multiple choice questions.) You must score 80% correct and you really need to study to pass it.
This program is not kinesthetic and you don't need bars to get started. This home study program will give you a strong understanding of what is required to learn Ashiatsu and how to do top notch barefoot massage techniques. Hands on practice is not a required part of the course but is obviously crucial to your becoming a good Ashiatsu therapist. All in good time!
Upon completion you will receive 14 ces - ceus - credits toward your state licensure - good in most states that accept NCBTMB providers. (It is your responsibility to make sure your state accepts my ce course.) Your certificate will be sent in the mail.
If you don't need the continuing ed credits you can buy the book and video for just $80. No test is taken. No certificate is issued.
"Hi Brett,
Here is my test. Great way to spend a Saturday evening :)
Thanks for all your help, great CE course!
Ron"
"Good Morning Brett,
Amazing!!! Ashiatsu became one of my everyday routine. I love it,love it,love it. Thank you so much for the Ashiatsu home study course.
Wishing you a great Christmas,
Silvana Armistead."
"Hi Brett
Just wanted to THANK you for sharing your wisdom with me in the Ashiatsu Homestudy Course. Ashiatsu has been such a game changer for me. On the brink of physical burnout and debilitating thumb pain, Ashiatsu has opened so many doors for me. It is my 'sole' focus in my studio now (pun intended) ;) I love using my feet!! -where have they been all my life?! Your homestudy course was so down to earth and to the point. Thank you thank you thank you!!
Thanks again Brett and keep up the GREAT work!
Kris
P.S. Do you have any more distance learning/online courses available??"
"Re: Wow! Thanks Kris! I love to hear this kind of stuff! I am so blessed to have an ability to teach and to have created this home study program. Please tell your massage therapists friends to take the course as well.
No other home study classes yet but soon!
Peace and prosperity,
Brett"
"Oh ok! Thank you for offering this! A local place offers the class but its extremely over priced! They are charging 600.00! I think that's crazy! I thought about taking your class personally,since I've been to asheville at least 20x! I have family there :). But the home study will work great for me!
Jani Kirker,LMT"
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| You will love my Ashiatsu training room - complete with massage tables, bolsters and great decor not to mention top notch Ashiatsu instruction. |
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Asheville is a sweet place to vacation...
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Complete instructions and a video on how to make your own Ashiatsu bars are below. Please scroll down!
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"Hi Brett,
It was so great meeting you! Your class was amazing! I wish I would have taken it a long time ago! Super excited to keep practicing and perfecting what I've learned! Can't wait til my house is done so my husband can install the bars for me!! You are welcomed to visit me in St Augustine any time you want!! My license number is -----! Can't wait to get all the pics! Thanks again for such a wonderful experience!!
"Brett, just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed your instruction as well as the setting for this class! Ashiatsu is definitely the most you can get out of a massage for both therapist and client....! Thanks again for your wealth of knowledge you offered so freely to those attending. If anyone would like to learn a hands on (feet on) class - this is the one! Blessings Brett!
WillowJane"
"Brett,
We have had tremendous results w/ Ashiatsu work. Wish I could come be a guinea pig for the class..............Roy and I walk all over each other regularly.
Keep up the good work.
Linda B"
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"Hi Brett,
Oh! What a nice Ashiatsu photo you have of me. I hope you will have more learners to come to your training. Goodluck! My husband is in the process of working on the bars for me. It is a project to do and we have limited time but we are working on it. It is going to be in the spa where I am working part time just to have consistent clients. One day I will have my own studio. Thank you for your talents to share with me. I like one day to be and approved trainer here in Memphis.
Peace,
Elena Akin"
"Brett, thanks for sending the video. Good job. I want to thank you for including me in the mix for your Ashiatsu training sessions. I enjoyed being "worked on" and I hope you were also pleased with the event. The girls seemed to be a wonderful group.
I was also very interested in and impressed with your garden! I can't believe all the hard work you put in at the garden site.
Thanks again.
All best,
Ralph Buntyn"
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Sara took a private Ashiatsu class. She wanted to come on a date of her choosing. I think she did awesome! Just take a look...
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I also accept credit cards over the phone and checks by mail. Call (828) 645-5228 today!
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Contraindications to Ashiatsu Massage…
• Of course if your client is pregnant you would not want to use Ashiatsu as this might cause too much pressure on an unborn fetus.
• Any recent surgery to the upper body including breast implants would be of concern.
• Be careful with people that have osteoporosis. Weak bones could break under extreme pressure. Know the power you have with using your feet.
• The client is on any blood thinning medications or medications that inhibit sensation.
• The client has skin infections or ulcerations.
• The client has inflammation. Use ice!
• Recent injuries.
• The client is sick.
• The client has uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes.
• The client has rods, screws or other “hardware” in their bodies… especially if these areas are sensitive. Be careful.
• Of course if the client just plain doesn’t want to receive Ashiatsu massage! (If they are too big for you to work on with hands alone, then by all means, send them to someone else!)
• Use your head and you will do just fine!
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How To Make Ashiatsu Bars!
Waaa Hoooo!
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| Using long eye bolts to support the bars. |
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Supporting the Ashiatsu bars with long eye bolts.
Using long eye bolts looks pretty nice. The builder of these bars installed two by fours in between the joists in the attic, then drilled holes straight through them and down through the drywall. Nuts on either side of the two by fours hold the eye bolts tight and at the desired height. Of course you have to be able to get up into the attic to pull this off. These eye bolts are 24" long. Their thickness is 5/8 or 3/4 depending on the thickness of the bar.
To hold the 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 in closet rods tight inside the eye holes this builder wrapped leather around them. Esthetically, this looks kind of cool but personally, I would drill a small hole in the eye bolt and just use a screw.
There are many ways to create bars. You must decide the way that is best for your room, budget and abilities.
Don't let the chore of building bars inhibit you from getting started with doing Ashiatsu! Pay someone to build them for you if you need to. Beg your husband and give him some great massage! Do whatever you need to accomplish having a set of solid bars above your head at the perfect height. It's just that good.
This modality is so valuable that I recommend moving if you have to! Yes, if you need higher ceilings, find a new room/office to move to! What's even better is to buy an electric table that goes way down to 18" (Earthlight Elloras are great and be sure to get the armrests too. I love mine!)
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In my massage room I have high vaulted ceilings. Therefore I needed a way to support the Ashiatsu bars easily and with great strength. Read the instructions and watch the video below and you will see how I have accomplished this. This method also works great for flat ceilings too. Now I have five sets of these bars in my room. No, this is not the prettiest way to create bars! It sure works great though and costs less than $100 for the average set. Yes, I'm a utilitarian kind of guy! When I teach it's the same deal. You will learn straight forward methods based on logic and common sense. I'm also an artistic person. Massage is a dance as well as a science. Here you will learn flow, rhythm and groove. Yes, we will play some really great music... not just massage tunes!
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| Ashiatsu bars with supporting beams. |
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How to make Ashiatsu bars with a high vaulted ceiling or without connecting to the ceiling (connecting into the walls).
Remember that you must have a high enough ceiling to install these bars (see below) and that the bars cannot be closer than 8 inches to the ceiling. (when you are standing on a client, your head will be above the bars and you need plenty of room for your head to move around.)
Materials Used:
(Be sure to buy nice, straight, clean, un-cracked wood!)
Two bars (1 ¼ closet rod) the length of the room from wall to wall –
if less than 14'.
Two support beams using 2*4s the length of the room.
Four 2*4 hangers
One 2*4*8 to cut for the end supports.
One 2*3*8 to cut for separator blocks.
Box of “Headlok” heavy duty flathead fasteners. 4 1/2"
Plastic end caps for the closet rods.
Old inner-tube.
First you need to figure out how high to make your bars.
Stand on your massage table at the height that you like it to be. Hold your arms up so that your elbows are at a bit more than 90 degrees – as though you are holding an imaginary set of bars. Then measure how high they are. (If you have an electric table it’s best to have it set all the way down…unless you have more than one person using the bars…like in a spa. When you have multiple users you have to create a bar set that accommodates everyone, so you want to build the bars at an average height.)
Instructions:
If you have very high ceilings, you are going to create a couple of support beams for the bars that span the width of the room and connect into the walls. These support beams and bars usually span the width of your room. (You can buy the bars (1 1/4 inch closet rod) up to about 16 feet long. Most rooms are less than 12 feet wide.) Use 2 * 4s for your beams. Buy nice straight pieces. (*** You will have to really look for nice, un-cracked, straight pieces at the hardware store. Don’t buy warped wood!)
Find the studs in the wall where you are mounting the bars by using a stud-finder. Mark the spots directly. Then you are going to screw a piece of 2*4 onto the wall, that I will call an “end support”, spanning two or even three of the studs. You will have to cut this piece the length desired to span the studs. This support has to be at the right height! The bottom of the end support should be 2 ¾" above the height of where you want the top of your bars.
Onto this end support goes the two hangers for the beams. Make these steel stud hangers about 20" – 24" apart. (If you are a small person with not so wide shoulders make them 20" apart. A medium width shoulder – 22" apart. A bigger person should make them 24". I like mine at 24". A really big guy might do 26" or even 28".
Now do all the same work on the opposite side wall in the exact opposite place. Then cut to length and install your support beams (2*4s) onto the hangers. Secure the beams with screws. Now you are ready to install the separator blocks.
Cut 6” long blocks from your 2*3 piece of wood to use for separator blocks. Screw the separator blocks onto the beams with the long screws (2 for each block). Use rubber pieces in between the blocks so you don’t get the squeaking noise of wood on wood when you are doing Ashiatsu. (I got an old inner-tube from a tire store.) Spacer blocks should be no more than 4 ½ feet apart so yes, you need to have at least one block in the middle of the two that are placed on the ends. Offset the center block toward the back of the “clients head side” of the massage table so that it is not in your way so much. This way you will have a full 4 ½ feet of free and open bar space directly above your client’s shoulders, back and glutes.
Now install the bars.
First you have to mount the plastic end caps in the exact place where the bars butt up to the wall. Use plastic inserts into the drywall and then screw the plastic end caps into place.
Cut the bars the exact length to fit in between the plastic end caps. Use one deep screw to hold the bars onto each separator block. Once again, put nice rubber pieces in between the bars and the blocks to avoid squeaking.
Finishing the job.
Use an all-natural and non-toxic finish to seal the bars. I like this cashew based finish from Earthpaints. http://www.earthpaint.net/product_mountain.php
I’ve used it time and time again and it works awesome! Buy two pints. (If you have extra you will surely use the rest for another project.)
Before you apply the finish be sure to sand the wood down a bit with 80-100 grit sand paper. This will clean up the wood and allow the resin to bind well. Do not thin the resin. Apply it with a brush. Apply two coats for full coverage. Allow each coat to dry at least a day or two. After the second coat do a VERY LIGHT sanding on the bars with 180 grit sand paper just to smooth them out.
Yea, you’re done! Now rub the heck out of people and remember, a great massage is "hurts good yummy".
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| Ashiatsu bars. Notice how I have a center separator block supporting the bars that is toward the back so that it is not in my way. You want open bars to slide on above the client's neck, back and glutes for 4 1/2 feet. (54 inches) |
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Massage Bolster Fabric Measurements
(These are the actual sizes of the pieces of material before they are sewn.)
Anyone that can sew and would like to make their own massage bolsters can do so using the dimensions below:
Knee & ankle bolster: 33” * 13” Case: 41” * 16”
Large spine bolster: 31” * 8 ¾” Case: 37” * 12”
Small spine bolster: 23” * 7 ¾” Case: 29” * 11”
Large shoulder bolsters: 16” * 13” Case: 22” * 16”
Small shoulder bolsters: 14” * 11” Case: 20” * 14”
Neck cushion: 12”-13” * 6 ½” - 7 ½” Case: 17” * 10”
Eye Pillow: 10 ½” * 6” Case: 13” * 7”
Millet hulls (not the grain) are available below. You will need about 20 pounds for a full set.
Organic fabric can be ordered from Near Sea Naturals.
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I've been doing Ashiatsu barefoot for almost as long as I've been doing massage! After seeing Ashiatsu the first time, it didn't take long before I had set up some bars and was using my other tools...the feet. I thought, "How come they never showed me this in massage school? It's a no brainer!"
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| My second Ashiatsu massage house in Silver City, NM. |
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More Ashiatsu reading...
People say, "Wow, this is so different...I really like it" when they get their first taste of Ashiatsu massage (barefoot - massage using the feet). The feet are excellent tools for doing massage. All massage schools will eventually teach Ashiatsu classes. Hands are great for technical work. Elbows go way deep but the feet are big, heavy and can level the spine like you wouldn't believe!
Big people really need Ashiatsu massage. Our legs are much more powerful than our arms. When you couple that power with the ultimate leverage of standing on the table and straddling the client...wow! Ashiatsu barefoot massage comes from the Asian countries. In the Asian countries they all use the feet to do massage in addition to the hands and elbows. Some people don't need Ashiatsu massage because they are just not big enough to require that much pressure but most people do benefit from this wonderful massage modality.
I learned how to do massage using my feet all on my own. I highly recommend learning the art of using the feet to do massage and although most people would benefit from Ashiatsu classes, I don't believe you need to go to a special school to learn Ashiatsu. If you do want to go to an Ashiatsu training then by all means please consider my classes. I'd love to have you!
Foot Work
Step on me. Oh yeah. Right there!
Discovering the joys of Ashiatsu massage.
by Brett Rodgers LMBT
Uh. . . Ah. . . Oh! That's what people say when they receive Ashiatsu massage. Most people are familiar with Swedish massage, which is received by the client on a regular massage table. The therapist uses two tools, his or her hands, to perform the standard massage strokes of petrissage, effleurage, friction, vibration, and tapotement. Swedish massage actually originated in China. In the 19th century, Dr. Henrick Ling brought the massage skills of China to Sweden for gymnastic athletes. For some reason, he forgot to incorporate the other two tools, the feet into the picture. Maybe Dr. Ling had stinky feet and was too embarrassed to take off his shoes. In any case, the resulting consequences are that all over the world we have massage therapists who are using only two of their four main tools. (The elbows and knees are also good massage tools).
Ashiatsu massage (barefoot - using the feet to massage) is the missing part of the picture and pressure. That's right, the therapist uses his or her feet in addition to both hands to apply pressure to the body. Certain areas of the body often require more pressure than the average therapist can apply with just hands. Millions of people who received "two tool massage" in the past are now starting to understand the benefits of "four tool massage."
***Most people don't know it but Ashiatsu massage, using the bars, has been performed in our country - mostly by Japanese lady therapists in New York, San Francisco and other large cities for a long time. I have a client that says she got Ashiatsu massage in a Japanese spa over thirty years ago! As far as Ashiatsu training goes, Ashiatsu classes have been introduced mostly by Ruthie Hardy and her students at "Deep Feet". I did not take Ashiatsu classes from her/them. I learned on my own and I'm glad I did! Ruthies Ashiatsu classes teach an overkill mindset of using the feet. For instance pressing on the shoulders while sitting on a chair is not good leverage unless you have a wall behind you. I don't agree with doing strokes with the feet or any other part/tool of the body that shouldn't be done with that part/tool. I call this Ashiastu funny business! I've seen quite a few dorky strokes on YouTube. Ashiatsu classes need to keep it simple and just teach what the feet can really do effectively... deep heavy strokes. This is how I learned to do barefoot over the last five years. I've just use common sense and lots of pracice and by God it worked! This is how I teach my Ashiatsu classes.
So, what's different about getting massaged with feet vs. hands? First and foremost, the legs and feet are much stronger than the arms and hands. Look at the size of your calves compared to your forearms. Compare your thighs to your biceps. One of the main complaints that many people have with massage is that they don't get enough pressure. That's largely because 99 percent of therapists in America use only two tools, the small precision tools the hands). (It is also because most therapists are women and many women are not strong enough to give sufficient pressure to bigger/tighter folks...in Japan the women use their feet as well as their hands! Those smart Japanese people! Yes I drive a Toyota.). The hands are great for light precision work. A good four-tool therapist (hands and feet) uses the hands to massage the head, neck and face, the arms and hands, the abdominals, the feet, the quads and trigger points (knots). The hands are like a sports car. They can zip in and around the curves, maneuver through tight areas and flip a U-y in a second.
The feet are a whole different deal. A four-tool therapist uses the feet on the back, the shoulders, the gluteals, and the back of the legs and arms. The feet are like a ful-size pickup truck! They do the heavy work that the sports car can't handle. Let's see you go to Home Depot and pick up some lumber in your sports car. If you do, you'll ruin your sports car. That's what most therapists are doing with their hands. They're trying to do all the heavy work with their small tools. In time, they burn out their wrists, thumbs, forearms and shoulders, and have to retire. Ouch, I hate it when that happens! I hope that my fellow massage therapists read this and take heed. Use four tools! Take my Ashiatsu training classes!
Barefoot massage requires a set of bars to hold as a steadying device. This makes strokes very safe and secure.
You might wonder, "How does it feel to get massaged with the feet?" Not only do the feet apply more pressure, but also they do it over a significantly broader area. Clients say it feels like they're being "ironed out." Many say that I'm leveling out their spines.
This is exactly what most people need! Most people have humped-over backs and rolled-over shoulders. This creates weak, stretched-out back muscles and tight, over-contracted front muscles. Four-tool massage, along with yoga and chiropractic, is great for healing this problem. Sleeping on your back wouldn't hurt, either.
As I've brought Ashiatsu classes, a combination of East meets West, here into our beautiful Asheville, NC, and before when I lived in Silver City, NM... the response from clients has been gratifying. David Mulvenna of Ikosaeder Gallery says the technique "was able to crack my back when no one else could including surgeons and chiropractors." Hypnotherapist Mar Bartlett tells me nothing beats it for "smooshing" the tension out of her muscles. And Rita Sherwood, owner of Repeat Boutique, says, "I have experienced the deepest therapeutic massage ever with the Barefoot techniques. My muscles become completely pain free and I reach a state of relaxation that no other masseuse has been able to attain."
Asheville Massage Home
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| Using rafters to hold the bars in the old carriage house apt. |
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In my last little house I was able to just bolt ashiatsu bars right onto the rafters. When I first went to look at the place I'm sure my eyes got real big when I saw the potential ease of installing bars! Every place I've lived has been different in regards to installing Ashiatsu bars. I have moved quite a bit and so I've mounted lot of bars and can show you all the best and easiest ways to install Ashiatsu massage bars in your space.
I'll also show you the infrared heat lamps I've installed along with the Ashiatsu bars. Sometimes they are easy to reach and other times you use ropes and pulleys to lower them down. Either way they are so awesome and feel so great, especially in winter time!
Notice how the clients shoulders are supported? They have millet hull bolsters under them. I make and sell the best millet hull massage bolsters available. When you prop up the body before you do Ashiatsu massage then you get the leverage and fascia stretching capabilities that you need for real healing. This is part of my 16 CEU Ashiatsu training class that you will learn.
Come and take my Ashiatsu massage training classes! You will learn more here than any other school!
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Ashiatsu Massage Training - Keep It Simple!
by Brett Rodgers
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Ashiatsu is, in a nutshell, using the feet to do massage. Massage schools that teach Ashiatsu classes should keep it very simple. For the most part, the feet can efficiently do one thing and do it very well... big, heavy, flattening, strokes.
When I see people doing Ashiatsu massage on internet videos, I often see them trying to all kinds of funky techniques that are not supposed to be done with the feet. I laugh because I know they all learned how to do barefoot from the same Ashiatsu massage training school! lol.
Maybe it's just because I am a man and have been using "tools" all my life. I know when it is appropriate to use a hammer and when it is better to use a screwdriver! By the same token I don't try to do circular strokes on the scapulas with my feet! lol! The forearms are perfect for this job. Now don't get me wrong about the value of the feet. They are way freaking good for the back, hamstrings, calves, the back of the arms and sometimes the quads....if the person is big and tight enough to warrant using the feet. Once in a while I even get somebody that has just huge arms that need the power of Ashiatsu barefoot massage.
Let me tell you, I am going to laugh so hard when I see massage therapists using their toes to work on people's ears! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Maybe it's because I learned how to use the feet all on my own and because I have a lot of common sense. The feet will never be able to do the technical massage strokes that the hands can do. Part of being a great massage therapist is knowing when and where to use the different tools. No, it doesn't surprise me that people are being taught in Ashiatsu training to do all kinds of techniques with the feet that have no business being done with the feet. (When you are trying to fill a 25 hour class with information, you scrounge for stuff to fill it with! You've got to give people their monies worth right?) Wrong! Ashiatsu massage therapists need to keep it simple and not be stupid! I can just hear what their clients say after the massage... "She tried to use her feet on my whole body, even my stomach. I liked the feet on my back and on my legs but I wish she had at least used her hands on my arms. I won't go back to her again."
You can also use the feet to stretch facia if you put bolsters in the right places under the body. Yes, you can do structural integration with the feet and you will crack a lot of backs too. (No, the Rolfers and the chiropractors do not have patents on everything! lololo!) Yes, learning to use bolsters is a part of my Ashiatsu training classes.
Questions and Answers:
No, doing Ashiatsu massage is not as good with the therapist sitting on a chair. You cannot get near the pressure and you don't have near the control as when you have solid bars built into the ceiling. It is fun to experiment though so have at it.
Yes, you can use crutches or a walker to do Ashiatsu on the floor but that is not as good as having solid bars and doing Ashiatsu on a table but it is a great way to be able to do Ashiatsu mobile though... on the beach, at the park, ect. Using crutches takes practice but it can be done. I got pretty good at it for a while.
Yes, bars can be made from 1 1/4 inch closet rod material found at the hardware store. Get uncle Joe to mount them to your ceiling and then paint them with a natural and safe coating. I used a cashew tree resin varnish that I bought at the healthy building materials store.
Yes, you may need an electric table if your ceiling is a standard 8' in height and you are tall like me . I have an Earthlite Ellora. I highly recommend it and Massage king is the best place to buy it. (Adding an electric lift table to your practice is a huge benefit for your body mechanics and massage abilities. Every good mechanic has the ability to lift their work up and down to be able to get the right angle and leverage on it.)
So, in conclusion, I would like to say, if you're going to add Ashiatsu barefoot massage to your repertoire of massage abilities, don't over-do it! Use the feet to do simple, big strokes on large muscle groups and practice, practice practice as that makes perfect!
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People come from everywhere to learn barefoot massage!
It's a short drive to come here from anywhere in NC (North Carolina) Va (Virginia) Ga (Georgia) Tn (Tennessee) SC (South Carolina) Raleigh, Charleston, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Atlanta, Richmond, Greenville, Spartanburg (home of the Marshal Tucker Band), Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Knoxville (just down the road), Memphis (home of Elvis), Chattanooga (choo choo), Myrtle Beach, or even Nashville (Grand Ol' Opry). Now people are coming here from St Augustine Florida, Missouri, New York and Connecticut too!) I'd like to see some Ashiatsu students coming from Wisconsin - the cheese head state, Indiana (John Mellencamp), Ohio - (I went back to Ohio and my city was gone!), Pennsylvania - (Diehard Steeler fans), Washington DC - (Politics, yuck!), Michigan (Bob Segar - Roll Me Away and Night Moves) Maryland (Toni Braxton, Tori Amos and Mary Chapin Carpenter - Come to My Window), Alabama (the sweet home of tornados!), New Jersey (funny accents - yo, how you doing!), and I even think people would come all the way from Vermont (Maple syrup - yum!), Massachusetts (John Kerry and Tea Parties - hummm, those doesn't mix well), and even New Hampshire (what is happening there?) & Maine too (the best seaweed anywhere!) To learn Ashiatsu massage, people come from just about anywhere! Col Sanders might come learn Ashiatsu all the way from Kentucky! I'd dig it if people came from California (they would come from some place cool like Santa Cruz, San Francisco, or Santa Monica - Everything there starts with a "San"!) to learn Ashiatsu barefoot massage. Cheech and Chong might get stoned and drive all the way from L.A. in a low rider to learn Ashiatsu barefoot massage. Eskimos from Alaska might come to learn Ashiatsu - if the think that they could build the bars inside thier igloos! (God please don't let Sarah Palin ever come here for a massage!) What if someone came from Utah (my home state - Mormons & skiing) to learn Ashiatsu! I'd just crap! I'd really loose it if somebody came here from Colorado, (home of Ruthie Hardy & Deep Feet) to learn my better version of Ashiatsu! (I wore my John Denver vintage t-shirt yesterday.) "What if people rode bicycles all the way from Washington state (green, rain and mushrooms) or Oregon (one of my favorite states but only in the summer) to learn Ashiatsu Simple Barefoot Massage?" How about Idaho where massage therapists aren't even licensed yet? At least they would have an Ashiatsu certification to hang on their wall! What if some Montana therapist wearing a raccoon hat came to learn Ashiatsu massage? Would I let them wear the hat during the training? What if someone from Sturgis, South Dakota rode here on a Harley to do Ashiatsu training? They would have to park two blocks away and walk to the house so that I don't have to hear the noise! Someone could actually fly here from Hawaii and take Ashiatsu classes. They love barefoot in Hawaii. Hawaiian are big folks and need to be stepped on. Texas! Holly cow crap, Texas! Them there folks need Ashiatsu! You Texas massage therapists need to come here to Asheville and learn how to use your feet to do massage so that big hair women and big jawed men can get massage the right way! New Mexico is a great place to do Ashiatsu. I know cuz I was there for 2.5 years. Oh the skys. The big beautiful skys of New Mexico. People from Kansas should come learn Ashiatsu too. Are there any massage therapist in Kansas? lol. Oklahoma... No comment! lol! What if someone came to do Ashiatsu training from Bulgaria? Would it be bulgar? I'd teach hot women from France how to do Ashiatsu but I won't eat steak tartare! I'm vegetarian. I'd teach people from Great Britain how to do Ashiatsu. I'd even teach the queen how to step on people! lol! What if the pope came to learn Ashiatsu all the way from the Vatican in Rome? I'd make him wear shorts. That robe thing won't work doing barefoot massage! People might come from anywhere in Europe to learn Ashiatsu barefoot massage. How about South America? Why stop there? Australia too. Aborigines could learn Ashiatsu and hold tree branches instead of bars. Russians could learn Ashiatsu and drink vodka at the same time!
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